The view from a bungalow at Alma del Pacifico
In Costa Rica, there’s a phrase you’ll hear over and over again, as a greeting, a farewell, or an answer to the question, “How are you?”
Pura vida!
Translated from the Spanish, it literally means “pure life,” and by the time you’ve spent a few days amidst Costa Rica’s lush green rainforests, witnessed a majestic purple sunset reflected on an empty black sand beach, and spent time with its friendly, happy-go-lucky locals, you’ll understand all the nuances of the phrase, and start using it yourself. Pura vida!
For the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, Costa Rica is like a Choose Your Own Adventure book full of possibilities. Here are five adventures you must try along the central Pacific coast, near the quiet town of Esterillos Este.
Get Up Close and Personal with Crocodiles
Crocs sunbathing by the Tarcoles Bridge
Once you arrive at the Juan SantamarĂa International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, it’s roughly a two-hour transfer to the surf towns along the Pacific central coast. Break up the ride with a stop at the famous Tárcoles Bridge and get up close and personal with one of Costa Rica’s most abundant native creatures, the crocodile. A few shacks selling tourist trinkets will signal that you’ve arrived. Pull your car off to the side of the road, and prepare to embark on foot over the bridge to view the muddy banks of the Tárcoles River. Don’t be surprised to spy upwards of 20 crocodiles at one time, some of them quite large, sunning in the mud and swimming near the shore. From the height of the bridge, it’s a safe and exciting glimpse into a prehistoric time.
Go Horseback Riding Through the Rain Forest
Start your horseback ride through the rainforest and end on the beach
For a true pura vida experience, stay in the remote town of Esterillos Este, conveniently located between Manuel Antonio National Park and the more heavily trafficked Jaco. Alma del Pacifico is a boutique resort with 20 private bungalows whose sliding glass doors can be opened up at nearly 360 degrees, so that almost nothing separates you from the ocean at your doorstep. From here, arrange to go horseback riding with the onsite equestrian center. You’ll traverse the picturesque rainforest and hills of Esterillos and have the opportunity to break into a full gallop on the beach.
Learn To Surf
Post-surf stoked selfie!
It’s no secret that surfers the world over make pilgrimages to Costa for its world class breaks, but if you’re a beginner, it’s also a great place to learn to surf. Brett Schroeder of Brett’s Board Rentals will bring the lesson and the boards to you at Alma del Pacifico or any other beginner’s break in the area. After a two-hour lesson, you can expect to be able to stand up on the board and ride a wave into shore. If you opt for a second lesson, chances are you’ll walk away a pretty decent intermediate surfer.
Go Zip Lining
Experience Costa Rica’s unique rainforest ecosystem at Rainforest Costa Rica Pacific Adventures in Jaco. Here, amidst 222 acres of lush, tropical flora, embark on a half hour aerial tram ride straight up the mountain with a naturalist guiding the way. Keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, and sloths. Once you’ve reached the top, the only way down is through a series of 15 zip line cables and platforms. You’re in good hands and harnessed in securely, and the feeling of gliding over a canopy of treetops is extremely freeing.
Eat a Whole Fish
If you’re an adventurous eater, the best way to experience the abundance of fresh seafood “Tico-style,” is by trying a whole fried fish. A popular choice is red snapper, pan-seared to a perfect crisp, and served with fried green plantains, rice and beans. Don’t be intimidated by the little guy’s eyes, teeth, and tail, and navigate your fork carefully through his tiny bones. You’ll be rewarded with delicious bites of sweet, flaky and perfectly marinated flesh. The open air Pavilion restaurant at Alma del Pacifico serves a great one, as does local’s favorite in neighboring Esterillos Oeste, Los Almendros, a restaurant owned by a Canadian ex-pat.
A version of this story originally appeared on Travel + Escape.
